If you enjoy web based radio stations such as UORadio there is something important you aught to know. The Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) is a Congressional board that administers various statutory copyright liscences. This board decided to increase the royalty fees due by web radio broadcasters by as much as 1200% due to pressure from the RIAA. The worst effects will be felt by small web radio buisnesses that used to pay a percentage of their revenue, and will now be forced to pay a flat fee per song. This will push most of them below profitability, effectively destroying their buisnesses. The impact this legislation will have on the industry will be catastrophic unless something is done.

What is driving the CRB to destroy net radio? Simple, the RIAA stands to profit billions based off just a new proposed flat fee for running a web radio station, and the RIAA gives tons of money to Senators through it's lobbyists. The requirement that, for the first time in 80 years, the stations pay royalties to the artists preforming the songs is how they really stand to profit. These royalties are supposedly "for the artists", but the record companies that own the rights to their songs will wind up with most of the revenue from it.

I for one am sick and tired of seeing Congress base it's policy making off how much money is donated by either side instead of what is best for the people it represents. If you feel the same way, or if you simply enjoy net radio and want to see it continue to exist, you need to contact your local official and let them know how you feel. Use this link to find out how to go about making a difference.